Ch-79 Sakumo's failed mission.

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...

A few days ago in Konoha.

"Hiruzen, did you receive this news?" asked Danzo as he entered the Hokage Office.

"If you are referring to Michikatsu holding Roshi and his possession of multiple Kekkei Genkai, then yes, I am aware of it. After all, I am the Hokage," said Hiruzen.

"And you are calm just like this?" remarked Danzo.

"Didn't you read the report? It clearly states that Michikatsu has a very high regeneration speed, and not only that, he also possesses Wood Release. This will undoubtedly jeopardize your position as Hokage," warned Danzo.

"What do you want me to do? This is a time of war, and we need all kinds of support that we can get. Michikatsu hasn't committed any crimes that I can punish him for," explained Hiruzen.

"Are you simply going to let things continue progressing as they are right now? Sakumo is already very powerful and influential in Konoha. If his son emerges as the hero of the village, there is no doubt that Sakumo will become the next Hokage," asked Danzo.

"I understand, but there is nothing we can do at the moment. The strength displayed by Michikatsu is not something we can take lightly. We need to proceed cautiously and plan carefully. That's why you won't proceed with your initial plan. You know, as well as I do, how volatile Michikatsu's temper can be," said Hiruzen.

Danzo comprehended what Hiruzen was referring to—the plan they had devised to tarnish Sakumo's current reputation as the hero of the village.

"But..." began Danzo, but before he could speak further, Hiruzen interrupted him, saying, "No 'buts'; I am the Hokage."

Upon hearing Hiruzen's statement, Danzo clenched his fist and spoke in a cold tone, "Hiruzen, you will regret today's decision." With that, Danzo left the Hokage office.

***

In the ROOT base, one of the ROOT ninjas spoke, "Danzo-Sama, are we going to continue our plan, or are we going to stop as the Hokage said?"

Danzo replied, "Continue as we had planned. Let everyone in Konoha hate Sakumo, and not only that, publicize the past matters that were done by Michikatsu."

The ROOT ninja inquired, "What about the orders of the Hokage?"

Danzo reassured, "You don't have to worry about Hiruzen's orders. We are protecting Konoha in the dark. Hiruzen is the light, and I am the darkness. We both have our different roles and agendas."

After receiving the orders, the ROOT ninja left.

"I will never let anyone else sit in the position of Hokage. I must be the next Hokage," muttered Danzo.

***

In the Hokage's office at this moment, Hiruzen received the news that Michikatsu and Nawaki had left the Konoha camp.

"Did they state any reason for their departure?" asked Hiruzen.

"No, they didn't specify the mission they are going on, but they were confident that you will not be disappointed by the results after they have completed their mission," said the Anbu ninja.

"I see. You may go," said Hiruzen, still very confused about the reason for Michikatsu and Nawaki's departure.

After Hiruzen's order, this Anbu ninja left. Not long after the departure of this ninja, another Anbu ninja came. Kneeling on one knee, he said, "Hokage-Sama, we have received news that a team from Sunagakure is moving in the direction of the Fire Country."

"I see," said Hiruzen, taking the scroll from the hand of the Anbu ninja, which contained the detailed version of this news.

"The location of this team doesn't seem to be too far from where Michikatsu is currently located. As soon as Michikatsu and Nawaki return, tell them to leave immediately and intercept the approaching team from Sunagakure," said Hiruzen.

The Anbu ninja nodded and left the Hokage's office.

***

Michikatsu and Nawaki returned to camp one day after dealing with Ameyuki. As soon as they arrived, they received orders from the Hokage, realizing that they wouldn't have a chance to rest and return to Konoha. They had to press on with their mission. After a few hours of rest, they promptly departed for the location provided by the intelligence ninja.

***

Sakumo returned to Konoha, but this time, he failed his mission. In order to save his teammates, he gave up on the assignment.

"Sakumo, I know your actions were in accordance with the 'Will of Fire,' but as a member of Anbu, there are certain sacrifices you need to make," said Hiruzen with a sigh. How much truth was in this sigh, only Hiruzen knew.

"I realize what I did was wrong, especially in violation of the Anbu code, but I couldn't bring myself to sacrifice my teammates for the sake of the mission," explained Sakumo.

"I understand. You may leave. You must be tired after returning from the mission," said Hiruzen.

Sakumo nodded and left the Hokage's office.

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